Heterogeneity in the consumption of fresh and ultra-processed foods by the Brazilian population ≥10 years of age.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the heterogeneity in the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods (FMPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the Brazilian population ≥10 years of age.

Methods: Cross-sectional study that used data from the food consumption and resident module from the 2017-2018 edition of the Family Budget Survey. Variables relating to sex, region of residence, household status and per capita family income in minimum wages were used. The outcomes were dietary participation in percentage of FMPF and UPF. Heterogeneity was assessed using random effects produced by linear mixed-effects models.

Results: Thirty-two random effects were obtained for the consumption of FMPF and 34 for UPF. Living in the urban area of the South and Southeast regions, as well as having a higher income were driving factors in the consumption of UPF and reducing the consumption of FMPF. Living in a rural area and having low income were mainly reducing factors in the consumption of UPF and driving factors in the consumption of FMPF.

Conclusions: The consumption of UPF and FMPF was determined by the set of factors that represented easy access to these foods, whether geographic or economic such as income.